4.5⭐️

This is a review of the audiobook.

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I normally don’t go for books that are more smut than plot but I was surprised at how much I liked this one.

This is book 1 of a series but seems like it could be read as a standalone. If you like age gap, dad’s best friend, primal play, stalker vibes with a dash of touch her and die, this is definitely the book for you!

Heathens by Alta Hensley
3 stars.

Thank you netgalley for this #ALC.

Heathens by Alta Hensley plunges readers into the shadowed world of Heathens Hollow, where Storee Brooks finds herself entangled in a forbidden attraction with Locke Hartwell, her deceased father's best friend. Their simmering desires ignite amidst the clandestine "Hunt," a primal game of chase and submission, where Locke's possessive nature emerges as he watches Storee participate. As their connection deepens, Locke's obsession manifests in stalker-like tendencies, fueling a dark and kinky romance that explores themes of dominance, submission, and primal desires, pushing boundaries and unleashing the raw intensity of their forbidden passion.

Hensley can definitely write intense, atmospheric scenes. The tension between the characters was palpable, and there were moments where I genuinely felt that delicious, dark thrill. But those moments were fleeting. I was left wanting so much more in terms of actual plot development. It felt like we were building up to something huge, only to have the momentum fizzle out.

The characters themselves were intriguing, but also frustratingly underdeveloped. I wanted to dig deeper into their motivations, their backstories, their inner conflicts. But we were mostly given surface-level glimpses, leaving me feeling disconnected. I think the potential for complex, morally gray characters was there, but it wasn't fully realized.

Ultimately, Heathens felt like a missed opportunity. It had all the ingredients for a dark, captivating read, but it lacked the substance to truly deliver. It was a lot of atmosphere and tension, but not enough plot or character depth to make it truly satisfying. If you're looking for a quick read with a focus on spice you likely will enjoy it.

Troupes: age gap, primal play, some hints of BDSM dynamics
Spice 3.5/5
Plot 3.5/5
Pace 3.5/5
Character Personality 3.5/5
Character Growth 4/5
Writing Style 4/5
World Building 5/5

4 Stars, 4 Spice
Tropes: Age gap, father's best friend, primal, man obsessed, stalking

This was great! Short, spicy, and fun. Love the dual narration for the dual POV writing. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book, and the spice was hot! Was it great writing with profound character development? No. But I absolutely enjoyed it regardless. Sometimes you just want a dark, dirty, gritty, smutty, spicy audiobook, and this book absolutely hits the spot. I'm not normally one for age gaps and father's best friend tropes, but this one worked for me. And that little twist towards the end? I didn't see that coming at all. I don't know what else to say. If you want a good, easy to listen to, smutty, kinky, primal audiobook then check this one out!

This is a dark stalker romance with plenty of spice. If age gap romance and dad's best friend are tropes you like, I would recommend. It's a fast-paced read and book 1 of a trilogy. If you like this one, there's more from Heathen's Hallow! Thank you NetGalley for and advanced reader copy.

It felt like this book was pure smut without much of a plot. Which is not my type of book. So if you like a book with lots of smut and lots of different tropes this might be something for you.

I did really like the writing. It was very fast paced.

This is a spicy romance novel that falls squarely within the genre's typical tropes, featuring an age gap and a sub/dom relationship with a little bit of power dynamics at play. One of the things I appreciated about Heathens is that it didn’t end on a cliffhanger. It's the first book in a series, but it works well as a standalone read, which is a pleasant surprise in a genre where series often leave you hanging. Overall, this is an average read for fans of romance with a darker edge. The narration was good.

Marie Hawkins and Robin Blake did phenomenal work narrating these dark characters. Heathens is full of forbidden sexual tension and giving into temptations. If you enjoy age gap and tabboo romance then this is for you. For me, the tabboo aspect felt a bit too much for me (grooming a teenage girl). But the writing itself was well written.

Thank you @NetGalley and @Dreamscape_Media for the ARC. The audio was really good. This as an age gap, mafia, spicy book. Heathens was filled with longing for what they thought they should not want, but when the cross line, it's game on.

Sadly age gap relationships are the opposite of yum for me. I had to stop listening to this spicy audiobook because of my own issues. I hope my issues don't detract from anyone else's enjoyment.

Not the darkest I've ever read but might suit the beginners. Its taboo certainly and explores kinks to a minor degree. I had my issues with this. (Mainly that Storrey 🙄 had no backbone yet screamed independent woman) But it was a quick read and I might read book 2.

🎧Audiobook Review🎧

Well gotDAMN... this was a filthy, wild romp through some of the most delectable dark romance tropes your heart could desire.
I didn't know what to expect going into this, in terms of the story. But I was pleasantly surprised that this book had a well thought-out plot, and characters that you find yourself invested in.
When Storee's father is murdered, she finds herself quite lost and adrift, doing whatever she can to make ends meet, rather than accepting her father‘s blood money. Locke, her father’s best friend, carries the guilt of his death, and has such, has decided to make watching out for Storee his responsibility. He’s a man who sees her as much more than an obligation, and has trouble holding back from acting on his desires. (Storee is a grown ass woman, don't worry.)
When the infamous Hunt is about to commence on the island (a game where people agree to participate in hedonistic & primal acts with strangers 🥵), Storee decides to sign up, needing the financial compensation that’s awarded to the participants. Well, it just so happens that Locke oversees these games, and sets his sites on finally giving into his many primal desires involving Storee.
This book was raw and spicy, and an absolute blast. The narrators were amazing, and did a great job of pulling me completely into the story. Their spicy scenes were just… 🤌🏻 if you’re looking for something dark and dirty, that has solid writing, and is chock full of your favorite tropes, definitely check this out.

Tropes:
Primal play
Age gap
Father’s best friend
OTTJP
Stalker vibes
Touch her and die

I don't read a lot of dark romance now, but I enjoy one occasionally. I enjoy a stalker romance, but this was less of that and more of dad's best friends, with a splash of gothic romance.
It was an ok story, I didn't dislike it or like it. Locke and Storee are really interesting characters. Storees had feelings for Locke for a while but being her dad's best friend she's tried to stay away from him. Locke knows he needs to stay away from her because of how old he is compared to her.
The hunt that's mentioned in the blurb was a small part of the actual story. I would have liked more of that.
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for my ALC!!

ALC Review
Heathens by Alta Hensley
Heathens Hallow - Book 1
Narrated by: Marie Hawkins & Robin Blake

This was a wickedly dirty and intense listen focusing on a woman who is enticed into The Hunt that is run by a group of billionaires on the island she lives on. One of those billionaires is someone that she has had a crush on, who also happens to be her dead father's best friend.
The story follows the up and down of her figuring herself out - and of Locke trying his best to stay away from Storee. The storyline was compelling and the spice was hot.

Pick this one up if you enjoy:
* Age gap
* Father's best friend
* Forbidden romance - prior guardian
* Primal play games

Heathens is the kind of book that grabs you by the collar, growls in your ear, and then proceeds to drag you through a forest of WHAT DID I JUST READ?! It’s dark, it’s primal, it’s A LOT, and I had to keep checking over my shoulder to make sure no one else in my house could hear what was happening in my headphones.

DNF

Heathens by Alta Hensley is a dark romance filled with primal play, age gap, and forbidden love, with a strong emphasis on smut. The story follows Storee Brooks, a young woman who, struggling with life, is persuaded by her best friend to join a yearly hunt where participants consent to become prey. Her love interest is an older, dominant man. The book has an intriguing start with its unique premise, especially with hints at Greek mythology and a Medusa Curse. However, the story does not fully explore these elements, leaving them underdeveloped. The pacing is good for a short book, though the inner dialogue can feel repetitive. The audiobook narration is engaging and well-done, helping maintain interest throughout.

If primal play is your thinggg this is for youuu!

Description
She invited the darkness in, so she had no one else to blame…when I came for her. It was a sinister game of submission. The Hunt. She’d run. I’d chase. And when I caught her… Primal. Untamed. Merciless. I’ve been watching her. Stalking her. I will become the beast from her darkest fantasies. Hunting her from behind a stag’s mask made of bone. Preying on her secret need for primal play. I should be protecting her, but I’m not. Instead… I am a Heathen. And she is an innocent who chose this. And if she made a mistake? If she wants to try and escape me? Escape The Hunt? It’s far too late. She’s mine now. Run.

Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for this ALC!

Heathens
by Alta Hensley
Narrated by Marie Hawkins; Robin Blake
Dreamscape Media

Audiobook Review: Heathens by Alta Hensley

Let’s talk dark romance. Heathens follows Storee, who joins The Hunt—a town ritual where men chase women for money and prizes. The catch? Her dad’s best friend, Locke, is determined to keep her safe… by being the one to catch her. The writing is smooth and fast-paced, making this an easy one-day read. It’s dual POV, which works well, especially with Locke’s possessive, morally gray energy. The chemistry is strong, but it didn’t give me intrigue me. Their relationship leans heavily on control and possession. The Hunt itself— while interesting...I wanted more of its backstory. If you’re into mask kinks, daddy kinks, or the thrill of being chased through the woods (no judgment), this one delivers.

If you want deep world-building or layered dark romance, this isn’t it. But if you’re after a fast, spicy, and taboo read, give it a shot. I’m not dying to continue the series, but never say never.

🔹 Title: Heathens
🔹 Author: Alta Hensley
🔹 Genre: Dark Romance
🔹 Tropes: Dad’s Best Friend, Age Gap, Good Girl, Mask Kink, “I’m a strong independent woman - you can’t tell me what to do”
🔹 My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨ Synopsis:
After her father tragically passes away, a young woman decides to take life into her own hands and participate in The Hunt - a town ritual where young women are chased down by men in stag masks in exchange for money and a box full of gifts. But her dad’s best friend is trying everything in his power to protect her, even if it means he’s the one chasing her.
💭 My Thoughts:
🔸 Writing Style: The writing was very easy to read. I think most spicy/dark romances tend to be on the lighter side when it comes to writing and focus more on the dark themes within the story. It is a dual POV which I love in a dark romance, especially when your MMC is morally grey.
🔸 Characters: My reasoning for the 4-star review is that I didn’t feel a strong connection to the characters. The FMC and MMC seemed to fit the template of every other FMC and MMC in dark romance, so I wasn’t surprised by their interactions.
🔸 Romance: The chemistry was strong but not enough to give me butterflies. The relationship was based on control and possession and for me, it lacked the dark romance I was hoping for.
🔸 Plot & Pacing: I was very interested in the story because I was curious about the ritual and how it connected to the town’s history. The pacing of the story was very quick and it enabled me to finish it within a day or so.
🔸 Vibes: This story is dark, filled with lust, and a bit taboo. If you like mask k*nks, daddy k*nks, or being chased by men in the woods (no judgment here) - this book is for you!
💕 Who Would Love This Book?
I think if you are looking for a dark romance with a strong story and world-building, then this isn’t the book to read. This was a fun read and it is the first in a series. I am not super stoked to finish the series as I feel like the main characters have gotten their HEA. But I love being proven wrong and will never turn down the chance to get hooked on a series.
For those who love forbidden or taboo romances, I do recommend this. Also, if you are looking for a fun spicy book, give it a try.
📚 Read This If You Like:
🔹 Haunting Adeline by H.D Carlton
🔹 Priest by Sierra Simone
🔹 The Ritual by Shantel Tessier
⚠️ Content Warnings: Dubious Consent, Sexual Assault, Age Gap, Death of a Family Member, Explicit Sexual Content.

SUPER SPICY but I didnt love it for some reason. Not sure if the vibes were just off or what, Sorry!

I had already read this previously so I was excited to listen to the audio. The narrators did a really great job bringing the story to life and show the excitement of the hunt!